Hunters Bar is commonly known as being a roundabout on Ecclesall Road in south-west Sheffield. However, historically it was a toll bar on the Sheffield to Chapel-en-le-Frith turnpike road.
This part of the city got its name due to the toll bar being close to an old house called Hunter’s House, which later became a hotel, near to the corner of Hunter House Road and Roach Road.
It was Sheffield's last public toll bar and closed at midnight on October 31, 1884. The last customer was reportedly a coachman called Haigh, who, after paying his toll, turned round and drove back through the gate becoming the first person to do so without paying.
The stone posts were initially moved to the entrance to Endcliffe Park before being restored to their original location on what is now Hunter's Bar roundabout, where they still stand beside the famous willow tree. Although the toll gate has since been repaired, back in 2024.
In popular culture, the area was mentioned in the Arctic Monkeys' song "Fake Tales of San Francisco", with the lyric, "He talks of San Francisco, he's from Hunters Bar"
One thing that is certain is that the area has seen many changes over the years, the once prominent Yorkshire Bank and the National Provincial Bank buildings may remain but the business purposes have certainly changed.
What do you remember about Hunters Bar over the years? Are there shops, restaurants or bars that you miss?
Take a look at these nostalgic pictures of Hunters Bar from the 19th century through to the 2000s in this local gallery below.
25. Art in the Community
Pictured during the 1998 art in the community project at Hunters Bar Junior School, is artist Helen Parrott with pupils, from left, Frances Whydle, Alanna Linkhorn and Jonathan Pinnock
26. New kit
The children of Hunters Bar Junior School give their new football kit the thumbs up on June 27, 2001
27. Hunter's Bar
Head teacher David King of Hunter's Bar Junior School shows next years kids around the school on July 13, 1998
28. Sharrow Vale Market
Sharrow Vale Road is one of Sheffield's best streets for independent shops and cafes. Three times a year it is home to the hugely popular Sharrow Vale Market, with around 100 stalls stretching from Hunters Bar roundabout to the Stewart Road and Peaks car parks. You can find everything from locally reared and home made produce, to crafts, clothes and plants, along with hot food from around the globe. | National World